As consumers gear up for 2026, many are looking for effective ways to reduce their streaming service costs. With a few strategic changes, individuals could save hundreds of dollars annually on subscriptions. Here are six practical methods to consider.
Evaluate Your Subscription Plans
A thorough review of your current streaming plans could reveal potential savings. For example, Netflix offers a Premium plan for £18.99, which includes 4K Ultra HD streaming. However, if you do not own a compatible 4K television or device, the Standard plan at £12.99, which provides Full HD streaming, might be sufficient. By switching, you could save £72 over the course of a year.
If you are open to advertisements, the Standard with Ads plan costs £11.99 per month, leading to a total savings of £156 compared to the Premium plan. Similarly, Amazon Prime typically costs £8.99 monthly, but students and individuals aged 18-22 can access it for £4.49 a month, resulting in an annual cost of £53.88.
Bundle Subscriptions
For those who use multiple Apple services, the Apple One plan may be an advantageous option. The Individual tier, priced at £18.95 monthly, includes iCloud+ (50GB), Apple TV+, Apple Music, and Apple Arcade. This could yield a monthly saving of £10 or £120 annually compared to purchasing each service separately.
The Family plan, which costs £25.95 monthly, increases iCloud+ storage to 200GB and allows sharing among up to five family members. This could lead to a savings of £12 per month or £144 annually. The Premier plan, available for £36.95 monthly, provides 2TB of iCloud+ storage and additional services, saving up to £28.99 monthly, or £347.88 per year, especially when shared with family.
Utilize Free Streaming Options
Consider free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) apps, which allow access to live channels and on-demand content without a subscription fee. Popular options include Pluto TV, Xumo Play, Tubi, Rakuten TV, and Plex TV. Samsung device users also benefit from Samsung TV Plus, a FAST service that offers various channels at no cost.
Take Advantage of Free Trials
While not all streaming services provide free trials, some do offer limited-time access. For instance, Apple TV+ offers a seven-day trial, while Amazon Prime Video provides a 30-day trial for new users. Students can benefit from Amazon Prime’s Student Membership, which includes a six-month free trial. New Apple device owners can also receive three months of Apple TV+ complimentary upon setting up their device.
Consider Subscription Swapping
Another effective method to cut down on streaming costs is subscription swapping. Instead of maintaining several subscriptions simultaneously, consider rotating them. For example, if you subscribe to Netflix (£18.99), Disney+ (£14.99), Amazon Prime (£8.99), and Apple TV+ (£9.99), your total annual expenditure could reach £635.52. By using each service for one month at a time, you could reduce your yearly bill to approximately £158.88, resulting in a substantial saving of £476.64.
Check for Discounts and Promotions
Finally, it is essential to explore potential discounts or promotions available through other services. For example, customers with a Club Lloyds account at Lloyds Bank can claim a 12-month subscription to Disney+ Standard with Ads as part of their lifestyle benefits. Sky TV subscribers often receive Netflix and Discovery+ at no extra cost, while customers paying for Sky Cinema can access Paramount+ for free.
By implementing these strategies, consumers can significantly reduce their streaming expenses and enjoy their favorite content without breaking the bank in 2026.
